Comparative analysis on the efficiency of Amelogenin gene and alphoid repeats in sex determination of embalmed cadaveric skeletal fragments from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

A comparative analysis on the efficiency of amelogenin gene and alphoid repeats in sex determination of embalmed cadaveric skeletal fragments from Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria, was undertaken. With amelogenin gene primers, the success rate for genetic sex identification was 43%. PCR Sensitivity = 100%, Specificity = 0%, Efficiency of test = 50%. Fisher’s exact probability test P = 1. Z-test: z- and p values were invalid. With alphoid repeats primers, the success rate for correct genetic sex identification was 64%. PCR Sensitivity = 100%, Specificity = 80%, Efficiency of test = 93%. Fisher’s exact probability test P = 1. Z-test: z-value = 3.174902, p<0.05; statistically significant. Alphoid repeats is more efficient and more reliable than amelogenin gene, in sex determination from embalmed cadaveric skeletal fragments from Sokoto, North-western Nigeria. This is the first known study determining the sex of embalmed cadaveric skeletal fragments by means of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Nigeria. There is need for further studies in Nigeria to complement the
findings of this study.